Student Outcomes
- Graduation Rate (4-year)
- 51.6%
- Graduation Rate (6-year)
- 53.4%
- Retention Rate
- 78.2%
- Median Earnings (10 years after entry)
- $53,755
- Median Debt at Graduation
- $19,750
- Student-to-Faculty Ratio
- 16:1
- Loan Repayment Rate
- 67.6%
- Estimated Monthly Loan Payment
- $209/mo
Earnings by Major
Top programs ranked by median earnings
| Program | Level | Median Earnings | Median Debt |
|---|---|---|---|
| Engineering Technology, General. | Bachelor | $63,005 | |
| Registered Nursing, Nursing Administration, Nursing Research and Clinical Nursing. | Bachelor | $62,654 | $15,254 |
| Computer Science. | Bachelor | $62,069 | |
| Industrial Production Technologies/Technicians. | Bachelor | $55,512 | |
| Mathematics. | Bachelor | $47,260 | |
| Accounting and Related Services. | Bachelor | $46,193 | $16,000 |
| Social Work. | Bachelor | $41,937 | $23,000 |
| Criminal Justice and Corrections. | Bachelor | $41,789 | $16,375 |
| Business Administration, Management and Operations. | Bachelor | $40,855 | $19,125 |
| Geography and Cartography. | Bachelor | $36,941 | |
| Teacher Education and Professional Development, Specific Subject Areas. | Bachelor | $36,776 | $22,500 |
| Teacher Education and Professional Development, Specific Levels and Methods. | Bachelor | $35,157 | $21,132 |
| Health and Physical Education/Fitness. | Bachelor | $35,060 | $20,500 |
| Design and Applied Arts. | Bachelor | $34,704 | $21,908 |
| Communication and Media Studies. | Bachelor | $33,993 | $17,749 |
Outcomes Overview
Bemidji State graduates earn a median of $53,755 ten years after graduation, creating a manageable debt-to-earnings ratio of 37% with typical debt loads of $19,750. Monthly loan payments of $209 represent about 4.7% of median income, well below the recommended 10% threshold. The 97.1% employment rate reflects strong regional demand for graduates in natural resources, education, and outdoor recreation industries. Many alumni find work with the Minnesota Department of Natural Resources, local school districts, or tourism companies throughout the northwoods region. While earnings trail national averages, the low cost of living in northern Minnesota and reasonable debt loads create a solid return on investment for students seeking careers connected to the outdoors.
Verdict: Average return on investment.
Verdict: Average return on investment.